Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga Unstoppable In Moil Emc Kyabazinga Rally

By Mwambazi Lawrence

Jinja, Uganda – The air was thick with excitement as the roar of engines echoed across Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, and Bugweri. The Moil EMC Kyabazinga Rally 2024, organized by the Eastern Motor Club, was nothing short of spectacular. The rally enthusiasts witnessed an extraordinary display of skill as Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga delivered a flawless performance, clinching victory in a remarkable fashion.

Driving a Hyundai i20 R5, Mangat and Olinga dominated the rally from start to finish, clocking an impressive total time of 1:03:02. The duo exhibited unmatched synergy and precision, winning all the stages and leaving their competitors in the dust. Their impeccable performance has now placed them firmly at the top of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) leaderboard with 200 points. With just three rounds remaining, they are in a prime position to secure the championship title.”This has been a well-organized event. We gave the fans what they wanted to see and we hope to do more in the next round in Fort Portal,” said Mangat, exuding confidence and determination.

Rally winners Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga power their Hyundai I20 through a hairpin during the Nakalama Superspecial stage. (photo credit Nicholas Kalyango)

Hot on their heels was the Equity Bank-sponsored crew of Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and Mwambazi Lawrence. Piloting a Mitsubishi Evo 9, they showcased a commendable blend of strategy and skill, finishing second with a total time of 1:16:16. This impressive result has propelled them into second place in the NRC standings with 178 points, surpassing Jonas Kansime after his disappointing outing in Jinja. Mukasa and Lawrence now lead the Division 1 leaderboard, signaling a thrilling fight for the championship.

Moustapha Mukasa negotiates a sharp corner during the superspecial stage in Nakalama

Securing the third spot on the podium was the resilient team of Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya, also in a Mitsubishi Evo 9. They completed the rally in 1:18:44, climbing to fifth position on the leaderboard with 104 points. Mutebi and Bunya’s consistent performance promises more excitement in the forthcoming NRC5 in Fort Portal.

Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya in stage one of the rally (Photo credit Nicholas Kalyango)

The Shell-sponsored crew of Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa faced an early setback in their Ford Fiesta Proto, incurring a penalty in the first stage. However, their relentless determination saw them claw back to a respectable fourth place, finishing with a time of 1:20:22. This result has boosted them to third place in the UNRC standings with 143 points, keeping their championship hopes alive.Rounding off the top five were Rashid Makumbi and Asuman Mohammed in their Mitsubishi Evo X. Their performance was a morale booster, reflecting their potential for future rallies.

In the 2WD category, Ibrahim Lubega and Mustapha Kanakulya emerged victorious, driving their Toyota Corolla FX to a time of 1:25:58. Their trouble-free rally showcased their expertise in the category. Following them were Julious Semambo and Diana Nagawa in a Toyota Sprinter, trailing by 3 minutes and 18 seconds. The local heroes, Jamada Lwabaga and Peter Brown Jr, finished third in their Toyota FX, 28 minutes and 4 seconds behind the winners.

2wd winner Ibrahim Lubega powers his Toyota fx during the superspecial stage

The CRC category saw Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyega continue to triumph in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 with a total time of 2:48:22. Their consistent performance throughout the rally secured their top position. Haruna Kataza and Urban Mulindwa, driving a Subaru Impreza N8, finished second, 4 minutes and 5 seconds behind. Completing the CRC podium were Nassib Ssesanga and Kobusingye Shaina in a Toyota Celica Pickup, 42 minutes and 53 seconds adrift.

CRC winner Musa Ssegaabwe during the superspecial in nakalama

NRC STANDINGS AFTER ROUND4

1. 1. Jas Mangat 200
2. 2. Dr Mustapha Mukasa 178
3. 3.Ronald Ssebuguzi 143
4. 4.Jonas Kansiime 136.5
5. 5.Nasser Mutebi 104

Final Overall Classification for top10

1. 1.Jas Mangat/Enock Olinga Hyundai i20 01:03:02.3
2. 2.Dr Mukasa/Lawrence Mwambazi Mitsubishi Evo9 01:16:40.3
3. 3.Nasser Mutebi/Steven Bunya Mitsubishi Evo9 01:17:34.5
4. 4.Ronald Ssebuguzi/Anthony Mugambwa Ford Fiesta Proto 01:20:22.6
   5.Rashid Makumbi/Asuman Muhommed Mitsubishi EvoX 01:21:36.7
5. 6.Ibrahim Lubega/Kanakulya Mustafah Toyota corolla FX 2WD 01:26:58.3
6. 7.Julius Semambo/Daina Nagawa Toyota sprinter 2WD 01:30:16.6
7. 8.Peter Kalule/David Mwesigwa Subaru Impreza XV 01:37:35.6
8. 9.Jamada Lwabaga/Peter Browrn Jnr Toyota FX 2WD 01:55:02.5
9. 10.Faisal Kayira/Hakim Kamoga Subaru impreza Gc8 01:57:01.3

The next round of the NRC5, is slated for August 9-11, 2024, in Fort Portal. This highly anticipated round will further shape the championship race, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the season. With Mangat and Olinga leading the charge, the battle for supremacy promises to be intense and action-packed.

About The Author

Mwambazi

Mwambazi Lawrence is a passionate motorsport writer and an intrepid co-driver, fearlessly tackling the rugged landscapes of Uganda’s racing circuits. His immersive experiences fuel his storytelling, allowing him to weave exhilarating narratives that resonate with the pulse of the race. With a keen eye for detail and a love for speed, Lawrence brings the excitement of motorsport to life, inviting readers to join him on a thrilling journey through the world of motorsport.

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